What is included in a CBC lab test?

The CBC measures the amount of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets (PLT). Each of these types of blood cells performs important functions, so determining their levels can provide important health information.

What type of infections can a CBC detect?

The CBC can evaluate your overall health and detect a variety of diseases and conditions, such as infections, anemia and leukemia. Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream when they mature.

What does it mean if my CBC is abnormal?

Abnormal red blood cell, hemoglobin, or hematocrit levels may indicate anemia, iron deficiency, or heart disease. Low white cell count may indicate an autoimmune disorder, bone marrow disorder, or cancer. High white cell count may indicate an infection or reaction to medication.

Can CBC detect viral infection?

A simple and very informative test is the white blood cell “differential”, which is run as part of a Complete Blood Count. The white blood cell “differential” will usually tell you whether you have a bacterial infection or a viral infection.

Does a CBC show kidney problems?

[H3] Blood tests for diagnosing kidney disease Following are a variety of blood tests that help determine whether or not you have kidney disease: CBC – complete blood count of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—low CBC level can mean kidney function is reduced.

Why would a doctor request a CBC?

Your doctor may suggest a complete blood count if you’re experiencing weakness, fatigue, fever, inflammation, bruising or bleeding. A complete blood count may help diagnose the cause of these signs and symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have an infection, the test can also help confirm that diagnosis.

Can stress affect CBC results?

Physiological studies have shown that stress can affect the blood cell parameters1. These changes include increase in red blood cells, platelets and neutrophil count whereas eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes are said to decrease in number.

Does CBC show liver damage?

Your doctor can use the results of these tests to give you a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. This shows how much your liver has been damaged, and whether you need a liver transplant. Other blood tests your doctor might order include: A complete blood count (CBC).

Why would a doctor order a CBC test?